Most execs have sent an email to the wrong person, and a new survey has shed light on just how bad the mess-ups have been – from simple embarrassment to breaches of employees’ privacy.
According to a recent survey, most executives have committed a common e-mail blunder, and the embarrassing results have ranged from mild awkwardness to full-on humiliation.
Some 78% of execs have mistakenly sent an e-mail to the wrong address, according to a survey by The Creative Group. The respondents also reported the biggest e-mail gaffes they’ve ever seen — or made — at work, including:
- sending someone’s salary information to the entire company
- giving a job offer to the wrong person
- writing a nasty comment about a supervisor, then accidentally sending it to said supervisor
- calling a co-worker an “idiot” to the entire company
- accidentally sending an internal memo about “restroom etiquette” to a potential client
It’s a dilemma of the modern age, so take note of the following tips to avoid e-mail embarrassment:
1. Don’t multi-task while writing important e-mail messages. Give writing your undivided attention.
2. Keep the “To:” box blank until the end, then careful choose the distribution list.
3. Review it on a big screen when you can, instead of sending an important message from a smartphone or other hand-held device.
4. Never send an e-mail when you’re angry. You can try writing, but wait until you’ve calmed down to send it.
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